Stu also announced that in
addition to their dues, Hank & Bob made cash donations totaling
$70. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and passed.

Technical
Report:Presented
by: Frank, (N8UVI)

Red Frog Computers has found our
antenna circuit unusable for their operation.

The Cardkey System: 1. Sam has donated some
materials.2. Discussed specifications of
the computer necessary to control the system.
The remainder of the tech report was a group discussion.

Al (WW8WW)
Mentioned that FROM would like the LARC to consider the installation
and maintenance of Cardkey access for their access doors.

Stu talked about the following topics from the
treasurer’s point of view.

The importance of LARC
membership and some methods contacting area hams.

Planned projects including the
100 ft tower, the cardkey system and field day
He stated that present level of funding, many plans simply won’t be
feasible.

Old
Business:

Jack (NY8D)
Would like everyone to check their photo library for material pertinent
to the history of the LARC. The pictures could be used as a public
display of LARC activities.

New Business:
Jim (AA8JR)
The LARC shack does not subscribe to a cleaning service. The shack is
beginning to look like a storage room for junk. If articles are brought
here, they should be placed neatly in the storage room. Before leaving
the shack, members should insure that the room is tidy, desk tops are
free of clutter and trash cans emptied.

Jean (K0ZRD)
Asked that the,”Amateur Radio Club” sign be moved too the new outside
entrance. She also would like to see an arrow to direct people to the
shack.

Jack (NY8D)
Would like to install a telephone/answering machine in the shack. The
answering machine would be programmed with pertinent club messages.

Stu
Announced that he had just received a bill for snow plowing the FROM
parking lot in the amount of $200 and asked for approval to pay.
Members voted in favor.

Mike: KB8ZGL
Though a long standing member of the LARC, Mike re-introduced himself
and proposed that he be allowed to install a 900 mhz. repeater on the
club’s antenna system on the WKLQ tower. In return, he offered to pay
for and provide internet service for the 145.27 repeater control point
and WKLQ. Mike also offered a monthly donation.

Jim:
Said he will discuss the proposal with RedFrog and report at the next
meeting. In the interim, Mike would be allowed to test the WKLQ site.

Stu:
Presented a financial plan to provide for basic annual club expenses.
He explained that if these expenses were covered, members could spend
much less time discussing finance and more time enjoying the comradely
of amateur radio.

The Proposal:
He proposed that membership dues be paid quarterly in the amount of $25
per member. At the present level of membership, annual operating
expenses would then be covered.

Discussion:
In the ensuing discussion period, comments to accept or reject the
proposal were mixed. Alternatives were again discussed. Stu reiterated
that solid plans can not be made without solid numbers. The topic was
tabled until the next meeting.

New Ham Dinner:

Al:
Asked the membership to decide on a date for the event. The membership
suggested Febuary, 16. For the location, Al will check with Fire
Mountain.

Doug (KC8EGM)
Would like to appeal to MARA regarding the election process of Ham of
the Year. Presently, MARA invites nominations from the other clubs but
the actual election is a MARA event. Doug felt that if all clubs
participate in funding the award, they should all be involved in the
election.

Al:
Presented a short report on the ARGYL swap. Due to the horrible weather
that day, attendance was down 70%. For all their efforts, the club
walked away with $300. In hopes of avoiding future weather problems,
ARGYL has made tentative plans to change the date of their Ham fest to
the third week in April.

Al:
Reminded all present to give some thought to the quarterly dues
proposal. He said that it will be the number one topic at the next
meeting.

The meeting adjourned at
11:16 AM

9 Febuary LARC
meeting Notes

Meeting Date:
02/09/2008
Start: 10:00 AM
In attendance: 12

Secretary’s
ReportPresented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)

The secretary read the minutes from the meeting of January 12, 2008. A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurer’s
Report:Presented
by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

A profit of $188 was made on the submarine sandwich
sale.

The insurance bill in the amount of $350.00 is due.

A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made
and past

Though Chuck was not present, Al thanked Chuck for
heading up the sub sale project.

Technical Report:Presented by: Frank, (N8UVI)

Thanks to Jim & Stu a Card-Key strike has
been installed in the shack door.

As part of the 900 mhz. repeater installation at
WKLQ, internet service is now operational

Old Business:

Mike: KB8ZGL Provided an
update on his new repeater installation and explained that internet
service will be donated to LARC and WKLQ at the site. After some
discussion, a motion to accept Mike’s offer was made and passed.

Chuck (KC8REH) At this
point Chuck arrived to present a report on the sub sale

Al (WW8WW): Returned
to the topic of Club dues.
Several members joined in the discussion. The result was that dues will
remain at $20 per year, donations are welcome and the budget will be
published.

A fund raising committee was formed. Members are
Ken, Stu and Karl.

New Business:

The following topics were discussed:

The New Ham dinner will be held at Fire Mountain
buffet on Alpine.

Progress on the Card-Key installation

Application for a building permit for construction of
the 100 foot tower

Al is working with the Lowell High School to make
signs for the shack

Jim volunteered to create a material list and cost
estimate for the project and get it to Al.

Jack has added minutes the 145.27 repeater’s
auto-patch cell phone. He announced that the repeater has open access
for long distance calls.

LARC asked that ARGYL provide administrative access
to the computer in the shack

The date of the ARGYL Ham fest has been changed to
April 5th. Start time is 8:00AM

Stu asked for and was granted a motion to pay the
$350 insurance bill.

The Marshall Ham fest will be held Saturday, March
16. Jack will have tables there for use by LARC members.

The meeting
adjourned at 11:03 AM

8 March

LARC meeting Notes

Start: 10:00 AM
In attendance: 15

Secretary’s
Report:

The secretary was not present. Stu, (KA8WGF) read the
minutes from the meeting of February 9, 2008.A motion to approve the secretary’s report was made and
past.

Treasurers
Report:For
January 2008 Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

Stu also reported: All bills are paid to date
The new insurance policy has been received.

A motion to
approve the treasurer’s report was made and past.

Technical
Report:Presented
by: Frank, (N8UVI)

A Battery backup test for each remote receive site
is in progress.

The primary power switch in the transmitter’s power
supply went bad. Pending receipt of a replacement, a temporary repair
has been made.

At the repeater site, work is in progress on the
Internet connection.

Old Business:

Snow Plowing:

Al (WW8WW)
Presented a snowplowing bill for the F.R.O.M parking lot. He went on to
explain that the bill would be divided in the following manner:

ARGYL Club Available At our meetings
Al (WW8WW) Available At our meetings
LARC Available At our meetings

Al said that in appreciation for years of assistance
from the LARC, the ARGYL club was happy to help with the bill. As a
personal donation, Al paid the other (Available At our
meetings).
A motion to pay the remaining (Available At our meetings)
was made and passed and a check was disbursed.

----

Stu: The address on the
club’s banner needs to be changed.Frank: Needs the URL to be renewed.
A motion to renew the URL was made and passed.Jack: Thanked Al for his role as MC
at the new ham dinner. Great job. Possible solutions to reduce
congestion and improvements for next year’s dinner were discussed.Al:

The ARGYL ham fest has been re-scheduled to
Saturday, April 5. He encouraged everyone to attend. Tables are
available for dealers.

Thanked all involved with the installation of the
Card-Key system. It works great. Al will distribute cards for all
members as they become available.

Has 12 days to submit a request for a grant form the
Lowell Area Community Fund. (Grand Rapids Foundation) The money will be
used to help finance construction of LARC’s 100 foot tower. All
estimates are in.

New Business:

Plans for the upcoming ARGYL ham fest were discussed.

The expense of snow removal was brought up. During
the discussion, Al mentioned that he has asked F.R.O.M. officials to
consider options and expects some changes in the future.

Al made a second attempt at advertising for the
donation of a badly needed riding lawn mower on Lowell High School’s
public access channel. This time, the add has produced a donation. The
new mower will now be available for use on the F.R.O.M lawn.

“T” shirts were discussed. Hank and Stu will get
estimates.

The Club shack needs a printer. Donations welcome.

At the Dayton Hamvention youth forum in April, the
ARGYL club is planning to make a presentation called, “Using the
unusual”. The topic, “unusual” is about alternative antennas (Umbrellas
etc). Al is looking for subject matter from adult amateur radio
operators. Please send information his way. WW8WW or
al.eckman"at"comcast.net

Stu:
Talked about the function of the LARC, past present and future. He also
presented an overview of current incomes and expenses and talked about
how the club is evolving. In it’s early years, more time energy and
money was spent building and maintaining the 145.27 repeater. These
days, there are more activities that are fun for everyone and more to
come.

Members responded with ideas about fund raising, and
club involvement in events in and around the community.

Chuck:
Expressed his concern that the proposed tower would present undue
financial burden to the LARC. His statement was debated by others who
felt the contrary.

Stu:
Brought up plans for, “Kids Day” at the shack and asked for
participants. The event is planned for the Saturday before Field Day.
Stu also talked about Field Day plans to consider such as a pancake
breakfast during the event.

A motion to adjourn was
made and passed.The meeting adjourned
at 11:24 AM

12 AprilLARC
meeting Notes

Start: 10:00
AM (52 Minutes)
In attendance: 15

Secretary’s Report:
Presented by: Jim, (AA8JR)
The secretary read the minutes from the meeting of March 8, 2008. A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers Report: For
January 2008Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

Stu also reported:
With the exception of a snow removal bill of $170, all bills are paid
to date.
A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made and past.

Technical
Report:Frank
(N8UVI)

The Morley receiver site
battery backup test failed

The IRLP is now installed at
the 145.27 TX site

Old Business:

Al (WW8WW)

Snow removal bills are over.

The Lowell Area Community Fund grant is not due
until this Friday. Al will make sure it is submitted on time.

Next Saturday, the youth club will be featuring,
“using the unusual”.

If you would like a card to access the LARC shack,
simply add your name to the list.

The township will not allow signs of any type until
a sidewalk is installed in front of the building. Al suggested a LARC
flag while the shack is occupied. The topic was discussed and the
matter was tabled.

New Business:

Frank (N8UVI)

Suggested that the 145.27 repeater auto dial slot
feature be opened to anyone who wants it. After some discussion a
motion was made and passed to open the feature to all upon request.

Stu: (KA8WGF)

Informed all of the Michigan QSO Party on Saturday,
April 19th and prompted activity at the club station.

Possibilities for the upcoming Field Day were
discussed.

After the next meeting, solid Field Day plans need to
be devised.

LARC “T” shirts are $12.95 each. Please place your
orders by the next meeting.

More lap-tops are needed for the event

Mike: (KB8ZGL)

An IRLP node number of 4635 has been assigned.

Chuck: (KC8REH)

Amateur Radio support for upcoming runs. To view the
events, go to kcraces.net then click on calendar.

Jack: (NY8D)

The Morley receiver site cleanup will be Saturday
May 24th. the more the merrier.

Saturday, June 14th, the National 24 hour bike
challenge will be held in Barry County. Ground zero is the Thorn apple
Kellogg Middle School. Amateur radio support welcome.

The
meeting adjourned at 10:52 AM

10 May

LARC meeting Notes

Start: 10:00
AM (40 Minutes)
In attendance: 12

Secretary’s
ReportPresented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)
The secretary read the minutes from the meeting of April 12, 2008.A motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers Report:
Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)Our fiscal year ends 10/31/2008A motion to approve the
treasurer’s report was made and past

Technical
Report: Frank
was not present.
Jim AA8JR reported what he knew.

Frank has replaced the link control card at the
Morley receive site.

Mike and Frank have the new Echo-Link connection in
operation

Stu mentioned that the East site has been unusually
noisy and requested an investigation. After some discussion a team was
assembled to do so.

Old Business

All members present introduced themselves. An honorable
mention went to our new member, Jay, N8LCV.

Plans and strategies for Field day were discussed

New Business:

Al: The tower grant application was submitted on time

Jay (N8LCV) donated some equipment to the club. A
vote of thanks was given.

Al: Has asked the MDXA if they would like to
participate in sponsoring the New Ham’s Dinner. MDXA gladly accepted
the invitation. The list of sponsors now includes, LARC, MARA, GRARA,
RRC and MDXA.

Al: ARGYL members will take care of yard work at the
F.R.O.M. and the 145.27 TX locations after the meeting.

Al: Announced that he will not be running for a LARC
office position in the upcoming year.

ARGYL members will present, “Using the unusual”
(Using unusual antennas) at the Dayton HamVention.

Card access cards are available for LARC members.

GRARA will have tables in Dayton.

In the interest of reducing clutter, Al has arranged
to use the adjacent room for storage. No time agreement has been made.

The meeting
adjourned at 10:40 AM

14 JuneLARC
meeting Notes

Start:
10:00 AMIn
attendance: 11

Secretary’s
Report: Presented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)The
secretary read the minutes from the meeting of May 10, 2008. A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers
Report:Presented
by: Stu, (KA8WGF)Note: Our fiscal year
ends 10/31/2008A
motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made and past

Technical
Report:

Frank
(N8UVI) was not present. He mailed a copy of this report to all
members. The report was read By Al (WW8WW)

The
battery backup at the Morley receiver site is working properly but it
had failed to report its status. The reporting problem has been
corrected.

The
IRLP is now up and running. See the LARC web site for instruction and
node listings.

To
access, enter # then the “node
number”

To
disconnect, #73

Frank
made a trip to Portland to check out the leaning antenna. (As reported
by T&W Electronics) The antenna is now vertical and appears to
be OK.

We
are attempting to locate the source of broadband interference
nicknamed, “The Arc Welder”. The Arc Welder is a powerful source of
noise that mixes with weak signals over the entire spectrum in our area
and is responsible for interference with 145.27 repeater communication.

Projects
on the drawing board: (Climber needed for all)

Investigate
and repair any loose connections on the local receiver antenna

The
Portland receive antenna needs to be replaced and elevated to the
250’mark.

We
would like to install our own receive antenna (2 Bay) at the Caledonia
receive site (The W8HVG tower – 92nd. St.)
Presently we are sharing a white stick with another station.

If
anyone knows of an able-bodied climber, willing to donate some time
(or work cheap) please contact Frank. N8UVI
Old
Business:

No
old business.

New
Business:

Al
(WW8WW) The
Grand Rapids Community Fund has approved $5,500.00 for the LARC tower
project. The money is contingent upon the LARC’s acquisition of
matching funds.

Al
plans to apply for an additional grant with the Look Foundation.

----

Al
then read a report submitted by Jack (NY8D). Jack was not present.

Is
the WKLQ site cleanup being done after the monthly LARC meeting? If
not, when? Please clarify

Field
Day plans: (By the time of this writing, old news. JJ) Besides, we
don’t want to give away our secret weapon…

Morley
Site Cleanup: (and camp out for those so inclined) Will be the weekend
of Saturday July 5th. In hopes of grilling some
mosquitoes, Jack plans to head up July 3rd. with
the motor home. Work plans include the clearing of small trees and
brush. Fun plans include good camaraderie and who knows, maybe even a
mini Field Day.

GRARA
2008 Hamfest:

Where?
The Lowell Fairgrounds When? Saturday, September 6th.

The
Friday evening prior to the swap, there will be a potluck provided by
the hamfest committee.

Volunteers
to run food concessions are needed.

The
LARC Annual meeting:

What
date will the LARC annual meeting be held? Please discuss and
report.

Input
from members present:

The
LARC annual meeting will be held on September 13, 2008. The location
is up for discussion.

Pre-pay
vs. Internet phone for the 145.270 repeater’s auto patch was
brought up. To be discussed at the next meeting pending research

The
meeting was adjourned at 11:00AM

12 JulyLARC
meeting Notes

Start:
10:00 AM

In
attendance: 8

Secretary’s
Report:Presented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)

The
secretary read the minutes from the meeting of June 14, 2008. A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers
Report:Presented
by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

A
motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made and past

Technical
Report: Presented
by
Frank (N8UVI)

Work
is being done on the IRLP.

Old
Business:

Stu
(KA8WGF): frank is preparing the Field Day talley to be submitted to
the ARRL. He also talked about Field Day and some things that could
have been done to increase our score. The group joined the
discussion.

Al
(WW8WW): mentioned that the LOOK Foundation grant application was
submitted two weeks ago. He also thanked everyone who attended the
Morley site cleanup.

New
Business:

Al
(WW8WW): the annual LARC meeting (with election of officers) will be
held Saturday September 12th. Asked the group if
the
meeting should be a potluck or be held at a restaurant. After some
discussion, he asked that each member send him an email with his or
her choice.

ARGYL
members worked to replace deteriorated sandbags on the roof the
shack. The sandbags support guy lines for the 40-meter vertical. Jim
mentioned that the guy lines should be replaced with a UV
resistant type. Jim will order the proper rope.

Ken
(KC8YTC): expressed his concern that the LARC needs to shift its
focus from 145.27 repeater maintenance and projects to participate in
more fun activities. Some members decided to go on the upcoming
“bunny hunt” sponsored by GRARA.

Stu
(KA8WGF): mentioned that September 13 will be the 15th
anniversary of the LARC and his 2nd. anniversary
hosting
the weekly net. He asked for a volunteer to take the net on either
occasionally or on a permanent basis. A copy of the net script will
be added to the web site.

Jim,
(AA8JR) the club has neither a climbing belt or it’s own HF rig. We
need to look into acquiring both.

The
meeting was adjourned at 10:46AM

9 August

LARC meeting Notes

Start:
10:00 AMIn
attendance: 10

Secretary’s
Report:Presented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)

The
secretary read the minutes from the meeting of July 12, 2008.

A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers
Report:Presented
by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

A check
was sent to T&W Electronics

A
motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made and past

Technical
Report: Presented
by Frank (N8UVI)

IRLP
is working
fine.

The
weather
station’s TNC is on the bench for repair

A
minor audio
adjustment needs to be made at the Portland site.

Old
Business:

The
L.A.R.C annual meeting / picnicMotions
were then made and passed on the following three points:

The
meeting will
be held Saturday, September 13th.

The
time will
be12:00 noon

Bring
your own
food and drinks

Family
members/friends are welcome

Tower
finance report:

Al:
The next
LOOK Foundation meeting will be held Friday August 21during
the day.

Chuck
(KC8REH): Asked that a document verifying permission to construct
and L.A.R.C. ownership of the proposed tower be drawn up and signed
by a F.R.O.M. officer. Al: Ok

Al:
The lawn
mower again needs work.

Stu: (KA8WGF) In
behalf of all officers:

All
positions will be available to the membership during the upcoming
election as none of the present officers are seeking re-election. Stu
went on to say that he will be happy to continue conducting the
Sunday evening net indefinitely however he would welcome an
occasional volunteer.

New
Business:

Jack
(NY8D) asked if there might be any interest in a club table at the
GRARA Hamfest on September 6h. LARC said yes to
three
tables. ARGYL would like one.

Clean
up work at the Morley site is coming along nicely. Jack intends to
resume on Saturday September 20th. and hopes to
see us all
there.

MARA
will be conducting a Foxhunt on August 23rd.
Everyone is
invited.

The
meeting was adjourned at 9:34AM

13 September

LARC meeting Notes

Start:
12:00 PM

In
attendance: 13

Secretary’s
Report:Presented
by: Jim, (AA8JR)The
secretary read the minutes from the meeting of August 09, 2008. A
motion to approve the minutes was made and past.

Treasurers
Report:Presented
by: Stu, (KA8WGF)A
motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made and past

Technical
Report:Presented
by Frank (N8UVI)

The
Portland site receiving antenna has been damaged by high winds and
needs repair. Climber needed.

The
weather station’s TNC remains on the bench for repair

To
access an Echo-Link node on the 145.27 repeater, enter ## Node Number.

Ken
(KC8YTC) suggested a free membership promotion. All present agreed
that it was a good idea and will follow up in February 2009.

New
Business:

Officer
elections were held with the following results:

President:
Chuck
Putney KC8REH

Vice
President: Courtland Richmond KA5S

Secretary:
Robin
Putney KC8VMR

Treasurer:
Jean
Carlson K0ZRD

Technical
Advisor: Frank Schmidt N8UVI

Public
Information Officer: Jack Amelar NY8D

The
meeting was adjourned at 1:05 PM

11 OctoberLARC
meeting Notes

Start
: 10:00 am

in
attendance : 11

Secretary's ReportPresented by Robin (KC8VMR)

The Secretary read the minutes from the meeting of September 13-2008.A motion approve the was made and passed.

Treasurers Report Presented by Jean (K0ZRD)(This amount included the tower grant money that has been received)A motion to approve the Treasuries report was made and approved.

Technical Report Presented by Frank (N8UVI)

TNC for the weather station is being tested at this time.

Frank and Jim (AA8JR) will be going to the main transmitter site to check the local antenna connections.

Discussion about upgrading the 92 and Street receive antenna.

Old businessNONE

New Business

Chuck KC8REH Chuck Proposed a budget for the continued operation of LARC. This included a repeater repair fund of $500 per year. A budget of $ 1125 per year was proposed and PASSED

Stu KA8WGF suggested we send post cards to members.

Possible ways to raise money are:Doug
KC8EGM suggested a second best sale at the club shack (GRAND SLAM
Weekend)Help out at the 4H fair, Lowell Expo ectSub Sale to start at
the Nov. 8 Club meeting (Chuck will organize)

We discussed doing different Special Event stations The 3 covered Bridges, Lowell Show Boat, Lowell area Fire Dept on 9-11 ect

Frank will be at the Holland Swap to due Radio Testing on 10-18-08.

10:47 am Motion to Adjourn the Meeting was made and PASSED

8 November

LARC meeting Notes

Start: 10:00a.m.In Attendance: 12

Secretary's ReportPresented by: Robin KC8VMRThe Secetary read the minutes from the last
meetinga motion to approve minutes was made and past

Treasurers ReportJean K0ZRDa motion to approve minutes was made and past

Technical ReportFrank N8UVI

work on antenna was a success thanks to Jim.

we are going to have to move Portland Antenna. working on new location up the street on a
At&T tower.

Link add to the web site for the contest on the
radio.

Old Business

Jim asked for the
$50.00 for the filing cabinet. He alsosuggest we get hanging files to put in the
cabinet. To put all the papers and stuff for LARC in one
place.

Jim mentioned the drawing of the tower on the
board.

Chuck mentioned
looking for another tower just in case we

can not use the current one.

Jim & Stu took down the TV Atenna from
current tower.

Jean mentioned name tags, Dave said he would
check on them.

New Business

Jack said that we
need to work on the south guide wires and taking down brush at the morley site.

Ann also said that we
may not be able to use the grant money for

anything except what they gave it to us for.

Sub sale started early so we could get it in
early enough.

FROM help with the
Christmas Giveaway. Help with parking &

maybe watch kids for there parents.

Stu mentioned working
on all 50 states contest through ARRL. You have to doit at the shack, the log book
already shows what states alreadhy contacted.

Jim Suggested that we
get the room cleaned out and get ridof things we don't need.

Get with All on new hams dinner.

Adjourn: 10:50a.m.

13 December

LARC meeting Notes

This
concludes the Minutes for 2008, Have a Happy and Joyous 2009, &
Good Luck in the Contests in 2009.